{"id":712577,"date":"2026-04-17T17:10:35","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T17:10:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/712577\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T17:10:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T17:10:35","slug":"notre-dame-villanova-to-open-basketball-season-in-rome-field-level-media-professional-sports-content-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/712577\/","title":{"rendered":"Notre Dame, Villanova to open basketball season in Rome – Field Level Media – Professional sports content solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Villanova and Notre Dame will open their 2026-27 basketball seasons on Nov. 1 in Rome.<\/p>\n

The men\u2019s and women\u2019s teams from both schools will play a doubleheader in the Italian capital that day in what has been named the Eternal City Tip-Off.<\/p>\n

It is no shock that these two schools were chosen to take part, given that they are two of the most prominent Catholic universities in the United States. Plus, this is a pairing that will remind Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, of home.<\/p>\n

Well-known as a sports fan, particularly of the Chicago White Sox, the pope is very familiar with these teams. Raised in the Chicago suburbs, he lived less than a two-hour drive from the Notre Dame campus in South Bend, Ind. And he earned his bachelor\u2019s degree in mathematics from Villanova in 1977, at the same time creating a foundation for eventually joining the priesthood.<\/p>\n

\u201cPope Leo has spoken in such inspiring ways about the value of sport, emphasizing that sport is a \u2018school of life\u2019 that integrates the body, mind, and spirit, a vision both Notre Dame and Villanova wholeheartedly embrace,\u201d said the Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., the president of Notre Dame. \u201cWe are honored to join Villanova for what is sure to be the experience of a lifetime for our student-athletes and fans. We know well the transformative impact of spending time in a city that is so central to our faith and rich in history.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Italy, the teams will meet in a welcome reception at a spot overlooking Rome, have the opportunity to attend a shared mass at St. Peter\u2019s Basilica and take part in a planned papal audience with Pope Leo XIV before the basketball games. Cultural and educational events also are being built into the itinerary.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis extraordinary experience reflects the very best of Villanova\u2019s Augustinian Catholic mission \u2014 uniting faith, learning and community in a global setting,\u201d said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, the president of Villanova. \u201cFrom academic engagement and cultural immersion to shared worship and athletics, this journey offers a profound opportunity to grow in mind, body and spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fox Sports will broadcast the games. The men will tip off at 9:30 a.m. ET, followed by the women at noon. The playing venue has yet to be announced.<\/p>\n

\u2013Field Level Media<\/p>\n

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